SQL is one of the best database management system that stores data and securely ensure data integrity. However, it is also true that there are many technical problems with the SQL Server database and one such is “SQL Server recovery pending status”. In this state, users cannot open and access database files. In today’s blog, we will discuss the best solution to fix SQL Server database in recovery pending state error and determine the causes of this error. Before proceeding to fix recovery pending state in SQL Server database, let’s understand the states of SQL.
SQL Server Database States
If multiple core SQL Server files are in an inconsistent state, the SQL should be damaged or corrupted, and the database will be marked with a different state depending on the damage level.
1. Online:- If a data file becomes corrupted during a query or other operation, the SQL database remains online and in the accessible state.
2. Suspect:- This occurs when the transaction log is corrupted or damaged, which prevents the transaction from running.
3. Recovery Pending:- If recovery is required and for some reason does not start, SQL Server will run in this state.
Possible Reasons Behind SQL Server Database in Recovery Pending State
There are multiple reasons that cause SQL Server recovery pending status error. Some of them are listed below:
1. MDF File Corruption.
2. Corruption in the log file.
3. Start the server without time gaps.
4. Power failure.
5. Hardware failure.
6. Sudden shutdown of SQL Server.
7. Not enough memory.
User Query
Hey everyone. I have an SQL cluster that ran out of disk recently. I threw a lot more floppy disk into the SAN. However, one of the databases came back with Recovery Pending and has been over 24 hours. I tried to backup the database to no avail. I don't have a clean backup from the day it occurred, so a lot of work would be missing. I have not tried a dbcc check with REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS as there seems to be a high risk of losing whatever was going on. Does anybody have an idea of how to bring database online from recovery pending in SQL Server 2012?
Methods to Fix SQL Server Database in Recovery Pending State
There are two manual methods you can use to resolve SQL Server recovery pending status. Before proceeding, make sure that you have a backup of the database.
Method 1: Mark Database in Emergency Mode and Start the Forceful Repair
1. Run the below-mentioned SQL queries to resolve recovery pending state in SQL Server database error:
ALTER DATABASE (Database Name) SET EMERGENCY;
GO
ALTER DATABASE (Database Name) set single_user
GO
DBCC CHECKDB ([Database Name], REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS) WITH ALL_ERRORMSGS;
GO
ALTER DATABASE (Database Name) set multi_user
GO
2. The database is marked by READ_ONLY in emergency mode. Disable logging and only grant access to system administrators.
3. Once these steps are done, file corruption will be fixed and the database will automatically be back online.
Method 2: Mark Database in Emergency Mode, disconnect the main database and re-attach it
1. Execute the following queries to fix recovery pending in SQL Server error:
ALTER DATABASE (Database Name) SET EMERGENCY;
ALTER DATABASE (Database Name) set multi_user
EXEC sp_detach_ db ‘(Database Name)’
2. These commands will cause the server to remove the corrupted log and automatically create a new one.
Instant and Better Way to Fix SQL Server Database in Recovery Pending State
The Manual method is fine if you have strong technical knowledge. Otherwise, you may fail to resolve SQL Server recovery pending status. The manual approach is also very lengthy and time taking to fix recovery pending state in SQL Server Database. It is therefore recommended to carry out manual steps with a specialist or you can use the SysTools SQL Recovery Tool to repair corrupt MDF files and NDF files. It enables the user to recover SQL database with all objects and save data directly to the live SQL via login credentials.
Following these steps to repair corrupted and bring database online from recovery pending in SQL Server error:
Step 1. Download SQL Recovery software, install and launch it on the machine.
Step 2. Click on Open option and select .mdf file.

Step 3. Select Quick or Advance scan mode and then select the SQL .mdf file version.

Step 4. The scanning will start, once it is completed, the software will display a preview of recovered data items. Click Export to restore SQL database file.

Step 5. In the Export options window, select Export to SQL Database or SQL Compatible Scripts and fill all the required details below.

Step 6. In the end, click the Export button to start this process.

Conclusion
In this blog, we have discussed the best approaches on how to fix SQL Server Database in Recovery Pending State. The manual process is quite lengthy and requires in-depth technical knowledge. To simplify this task, we also suggested a better approach to repair corrupt MDF file and resolve recovery pending state in SQL Server Database error.